By Fredrick Ameh
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has stepped up efforts to regulate emerging tobacco products following a strategic engagement with executives of British American Tobacco (BAT) at its headquarters in Abuja.
Director General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, hosted the BAT delegation on April 7, 2026. The meeting focused on accelerating the development of national standards for new-generation tobacco products, including Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches. These discussions form part of a broader regulatory push to ensure evolving products are governed in line with public health priorities and global best practices.
Dr. Okeke commended the growing collaboration among key government institutions, particularly the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Federal Ministry of Health, for strengthening oversight. He revealed that the Ministry of Health has already approved critical measures, including mandatory health warnings for the identified product categories.
In response, the SON boss directed the Standards Development Department to immediately fast-track the completion of regulatory frameworks for the three product groups. He stressed that the standards must fully reflect the newly approved health warning requirements and align with existing national regulations. According to him, timely delivery is essential for consumer protection and for ensuring clarity, accountability, and compliance across the tobacco industry.
The meeting ended with a unified resolve between SON and BAT to accelerate the standards development process while maintaining transparency, stakeholder inclusion, and strict adherence to regulatory procedures.